Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have always loved storytelling. Since before I could read I was always making up some elaborate scheme to tell my parents (most of the time it was to get out of trouble). This love of telling stories lead to my career in filmmaking which I enjoy to this day. The book writing began when my kids were little and I ran out of books that kept their interest. We would start these “choose your own adventure” ideas and unique stories would splinter off from those ideas.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book Shhh! I’m asleep came from searching online the unique ways animals sleep thinking this would inspire my kids to sleep. 150 animals later it worked :). My kids inspire me quite a bit, it’s good to have your own little test audience.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I tend to write in the wee hours of the night. As a filmmaker, I have spent quite a bit of time filming nights and this has ruined my sleep patterns. My brain seems to be most active from midnight till about 3 am. I can thank the film Rosewood for that.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love the creativity of Dav Pilkey and the characters in S. E. Hinton’s novels. Fred B Phleger As the Whales go by was a story that fascinated me as a child. This book captured my love of books and animals. I love listening to kids tell stories, there is an honesty and clumsiness to them that is hard to find in stories you read today.
What are you working on now?
I have three books in the queue right now. The Special Flower, Ordinary Harry, and The Brave Boy.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I try to use https://www.goodreads.com as much as possible. I will have to say though nothing beats good, ole’ fashioned word of mouth. I love going into libraries with a stack of my books and just handing them out. I did this in Baltimore and I had a steady stream of sales for three or four weeks after that.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
I go to writing events all over the world and one of the most common phrases I hear is “I have been working on “said project” for years now but I just can’t seem to finish.” This is what plagues most authors. My advice is to stop working on it and “DO IT!” Do be afraid of what people will think. Find a good editor that will be honest with you (Not your Mom or Aunt Betty) and find your ending!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“You can be the ripest, juiciest peach in the world, but there will always be someone who hates peaches.” Dita von Teese
What are you reading now?
Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy
What’s next for you as a writer?
To find that perfect story inside the vast chasms of my soul and never let it out!
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy, George Orwell’s 1984, and Animal Farm
Author Websites and Profiles
Brian Sofsky Website
Brian Sofsky Amazon Profile
Brian Sofsky’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile